Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
When you lose a car key, you need to know the different costs associated with. You can obtain a copy of a basic car key from any hardware store, but the smart key could require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.
There are ways to save money on your device if it is not damaged and is not in need of reprogramming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in strange places. They can be lost in your purse while shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions, or fall down the crack of the back seat They're always a bit hard to find. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store to purchase a replacement.
It can be expensive to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you have an automobile with the latest technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters that work with these systems are tiny electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that can make them quite expensive to replace in the event of losing them.
This is the reason you should think about purchasing an insurance replacement for your key fob plan that covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically represent just a fraction of total replacement costs and include unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, as well as additional benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key that you own will also impact the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. Basic metal keys without keys with a fob for instance are fairly inexpensive, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These machines are usually only accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major factor in the overall cost.
Laser cut keys are yet another factor that can increase the cost of replacing a car key, because they are usually thicker than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is then molded to a specific shape and are then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past lost car keys was not a big nuisance. You could get an alternative key from a locksmith or car dealership and it was affordable to purchase it. As automobiles have become more advanced in technology and so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more expensive.
car key replacement near me became popular in the '90s as an extra feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their car without the need for a physical key. These small plastic fobs have an electronic button that, when hit by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some of them have buttons that trigger the vehicle's security system or unlock the trunk.
A key that is not fitted with a fob is akin to those made before the '90s, and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will replace your lost fob while they are waiting.
It can be more expensive to replace a fob that has a computer chip or transponder as opposed to an ordinary one. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost upwards of $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer of the car.
Many businesses who work with cars such as auto repair shops and car dealerships might have a large number of spare fobs. Some of them could be sold to consumers, but some require special equipment and knowledge to program, which isn't something that's easily accessible to the typical consumer. This is why it's ideal to keep a spare car key in your purse or pocket and then add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you ever need to use it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys have deeper grooves and ridges. This makes them more difficult for car thieves.
The blades of the key have cut-outs on both sides that permit keys to be inserted into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most popular type of car keys that are in circulation these days. They are more popular than key fobs due to their greater security and ease of use.
If you're thinking of getting a laser-cut key for your car, it's important to make sure that the shop that is cutting keys has the proper equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that does not perform as expected. You should also consider the quality of the knife, because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could cause damage to your key cutting machine or even cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to get the specifications of your specific vehicle. Then, they will employ the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
They require specialized machinery to make, and they are typically only available at dealerships. They are however, less expensive than traditional key fobs and are also a bonus for being extremely difficult to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key, you'll likely have to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They are still one of the most secure and convenient car keys available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars often use key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors and start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, that operate mechanically and are easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths, these newer car keys contain transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. The fobs are typically more expensive, ranging from $50 to $100 for the basic model to $200 for models that have push-to-start features.
Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade key which folds up when not in use, typically cost more to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, which then is released at the push of a button when required. They are generally more secure than traditional keys, making them a great deterrent for thieves. They are also a good alternative for those in need of an extra car key for valet usage. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere from $100 to $300 depending on the car and type of key.
They are lighter and more user-friendly than the crank keys of the past which were difficult, heavy and hazardous to use. The car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them since they are cylinder-shaped. This prevents the use of key-duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car key.
These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine - some are able to do this without having to be removed from the pocket of the driver. The process of changing these kinds of car keys could be costly and typically require a trip to the dealer which may or not include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys because they have an electronic chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is inserted into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine whether the serial number matches the one on the key. If it matches the serial number, the vehicle will let keys to unlock the doors and to start the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it difficult to hot-wire a car and also to start the engine.
Theoretically, this technology is effective, but smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. Furthermore, the chips inside these keys are not as durable as many would like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, which can result in the key not functioning.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be expensive. The key blank can cost as much as $50 and then there's the additional expense of programming it. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only available at car dealerships.
It is recommended to employ a professional locksmith with the right equipment for programming transponder key. It is also an excellent idea to keep all of the information for your vehicle, including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, and will save you money in the long run. A locksmith can typically program a new transponder key for around $150, however it could cost as much as $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be done only by a locksmith who is certified.